Set in the era of bathtub gin, bootleggers and speakeasies, PROHIBITION tells the true story of the rise, rule and fall of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. It was called the “Noble Experiment,” but it was in fact one of America’s most notorious civic failures, an object lesson in the challenge of legislating human behavior.

The entire series will air nationally on PBS Sunday-Tuesday, October 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Each episode will also be streamed live on video.pbs.org, timed to the national broadcast. Episodes 2 and 3 of PROHIBITION will be available on PBS for iPad and PBS Apps for Phone and iPod touch the day after each television airdate and remain available through Friday, October 7th. All episodes will be available for purchase on DVD at shoppbs.org and on iTunes.

The premiere of the first episode of PROHIBITION on PBS Apps also provides viewers of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire” an opportunity, two days prior to the premiere of that series on Sunday, September 25th, to watch the real story of what gave rise to prohibition.

“We are huge fans of ‘Boardwalk Empire’ and are thrilled that we can share the story of what gave rise to prohibition, the topic of our first episode, to viewers tuning in to the premiere of ‘Boardwalk,’” said Ken Burns.

“PBS’ strategy of debuting high-profile shows on the iPad and iPhone before television broadcast has been enormously popular with users,” said Jason Seiken, Senior Vice President, Interactive, Product Development & Innovation. "Users of our apps watched more than 52 million video streams last month. The early premiere of the first episode of Ken Burns’s and Lynn Novick’s much anticipated PROHIBITION is part of our ongoing mission to provide all Americans with content where and when they want it.”

HBO and PBS co-hosted a lunch on September 8th with Burns and “Boardwalk Empire” executive producer Terence Winter. Video from the luncheon, including clips from both films, are now available on PBS’s Facebook page and on PBS.org.

PBS for iPad features 250 hours of free video, including full-length programs, as well as TV schedules, previews and a tune-in reminder calendar that can be synced with iCal. PBS for iPad and PBS Apps for the iPhone and iPod touch are available free from the App Store.

About PBSPBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches 124 million people through television and 20 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.

Media Contacts:

Michae Godwin, PBS Communications, 703-739-8483; mmgodwin@pbs.org

Carrie Johnson, PBS Communications, 703-739-5129; cjohnson@pbs.org

For images and additional up-to-date information on this and other PBS programs, visit PBS PressRoom at pbs.org/pressroom.